Ingredients:
- 3 cups Prairie Gold Whole Wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for added moisture)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water (110-115°F)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1/3 cup diced dried figs
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- Olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Prairie Gold Whole Wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Make a well in the center.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the well of the flour mixture. Add the unsweetened applesauce.
- Mix the ingredients until a dough forms. If needed, add a bit more water or flour to achieve a soft, slightly sticky dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until it has doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough to release excess air. Flatten the dough and evenly distribute the dried cranberries, raisins, diced figs, and chopped walnuts on top.
- Fold the dough over the dried fruits and nuts, then gently knead to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover the pan with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise again for about 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and carefully transfer the loaf from the pan to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing.
- Slice and savor your Moist Prairie Gold Whole Wheat Bread with Dried Cranberries, Raisins, Apple Sauce, Diced Figs, and Walnuts. Enjoy it as a hearty and wholesome accompaniment to your meals or as a delightful snack.
Tip: Feel free to experiment with the proportions of dried fruits and walnuts to suit your taste preferences. The combination of these ingredients adds depth, flavor, and a delightful chewiness to the bread.